more than 8,000 apartments are under construction in the city right now. that's the largest number since at least the '90s, and the pipeline for new projects is much bigger. a lot of the projects underway right now are going to be finished at about the same time. that leaves some people to wonder if the extra supply will actually lower rent rates. >> we are likely to see an increase in concessions or specials, in terms of three months rent or waiving fees. so from a renter's standpoint or point of view, they will have more choices and likely will have some costs savings, minimally over the next couple of years. >> reporter: but across the country, rents have soared in recent years. last year alone, they increased more than 5%. as prices rise, many here hope construction won't slow down. >> the buying power of higher- income households is driving up the cost of rents and home prices, so supply is absolutely an important part of addressing affordability. >> reporter: and in a city like d.c., developers are more than happy to help out. >> long term, the demog